News: Bmw west island
- Thread starter Russianguy
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shag
New member
While most of your comments might be valid about them, I don't think the West Island Jalbert dealership failed because it was poorly located. I think the WI is a great market for BMW and the new dealership should do just fine, IF prior mistakes are not repeated.
Keep in mind that Jalbert had two dealerships - one in Kirkland and one in Quebec City. Notwithstanding the legal fight that was going on between Denis Jalbert & BMW Canada since 1996, they still had to operate two dealerships in those quite lucrative markets. Their bad reputation might have been because of the legal procedures, but I believe it was mainly because of the incredibly bad customer experience, at both dealerships. How many stories have I heard from Quebec City people who would go out of their way to go buy a BMW in Trois Rivieres to avoid the snobby/insulting/etc CA's and/or SA's? You just can't play that game in the Vieille Capitale.
I've heard similar stories about Kirkland's dealership to a lesser extent, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same situation was going on over there. Keep in mind that I am a mere observer and I am posting this because of what I've heard. But don't you think that if BMW wanted to terminate both dealership contracts, it *might* have been because of bad customer ratings? Granted, there might be a bigger underlying cause ($$$) but there's gotta be another catch...
IMHO, you don't shut down Quebec City's only BMW dealership just because there's some misunderstanding in a contract... don't ask yourself why there are so much Audi's & MB's in Quebec City, and why Que-Bourg's owner opened Audi Ste-Foy just 15 mins away.
I might be totally wrong, but that's how I see things (and I know a LOT of people who agree with what I'm saying here).
Keep in mind that Jalbert had two dealerships - one in Kirkland and one in Quebec City. Notwithstanding the legal fight that was going on between Denis Jalbert & BMW Canada since 1996, they still had to operate two dealerships in those quite lucrative markets. Their bad reputation might have been because of the legal procedures, but I believe it was mainly because of the incredibly bad customer experience, at both dealerships. How many stories have I heard from Quebec City people who would go out of their way to go buy a BMW in Trois Rivieres to avoid the snobby/insulting/etc CA's and/or SA's? You just can't play that game in the Vieille Capitale.
I've heard similar stories about Kirkland's dealership to a lesser extent, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same situation was going on over there. Keep in mind that I am a mere observer and I am posting this because of what I've heard. But don't you think that if BMW wanted to terminate both dealership contracts, it *might* have been because of bad customer ratings? Granted, there might be a bigger underlying cause ($$$) but there's gotta be another catch...
IMHO, you don't shut down Quebec City's only BMW dealership just because there's some misunderstanding in a contract... don't ask yourself why there are so much Audi's & MB's in Quebec City, and why Que-Bourg's owner opened Audi Ste-Foy just 15 mins away.
I might be totally wrong, but that's how I see things (and I know a LOT of people who agree with what I'm saying here).
Russianguy
Legacy Member
What blows my mind is how one person can open up not one but two BMW dealerships, only to lose them because of complaints of customer service. It takes several million dollars to open up a single dealership, so if you have that kind of cash, how incompetent do you have to be to get bad customer service ratings?
If i had the money to open up a BMW dealership or any other dealership, i'd make sure it's staffed with competent people.
I dealt with BMW Jalbert and BMW Canbec in the past. BMW Jalbert's body shop timelines were not respected and the quality of work was shitty. i had to go back to fix stuff because of rust issues. BMW Canbec repaired my convertible in their body shop and i haven't had any single problems for the last 5 years.
So were there any other issues with Jalbert besides poor customer service? From what i remember their west island dealership was closed but they still had their quebec dealership and now i discovered their quebec dealership was also closed.
Pretty weird stuff.
BMW of Blainville location is really shit. location is horrible. Mercedes dealer that's near Planete mazda dealership also has a bad location.
If i had the money to open up a BMW dealership or any other dealership, i'd make sure it's staffed with competent people.
I dealt with BMW Jalbert and BMW Canbec in the past. BMW Jalbert's body shop timelines were not respected and the quality of work was shitty. i had to go back to fix stuff because of rust issues. BMW Canbec repaired my convertible in their body shop and i haven't had any single problems for the last 5 years.
So were there any other issues with Jalbert besides poor customer service? From what i remember their west island dealership was closed but they still had their quebec dealership and now i discovered their quebec dealership was also closed.
Pretty weird stuff.
BMW of Blainville location is really shit. location is horrible. Mercedes dealer that's near Planete mazda dealership also has a bad location.
RWDLover1
Moderator
J'ai toujours eu un excellent service à BMW laval à une exception près: j'avais commandé des tapis neufs pour une M3 2004 que j'avais payé d'avance...quand j'ai recu les tapis c'était des tapis noirs plain, pas de M ou de logo BMW dessus.
À part ca tout a été A1, rien à comparé à jalbert.
À part ca tout a été A1, rien à comparé à jalbert.
Ron Popeil 5un4
New member
Salesmen are one issue,
what about service agents?
It took Park Ave 4 days to change my oil and run diagnostics on my electrical.. So far, that's the best customer service I've received from one of these famous stealerships.... sad. lol Maybe it's time to check out BMW Laval?
what about service agents?
It took Park Ave 4 days to change my oil and run diagnostics on my electrical.. So far, that's the best customer service I've received from one of these famous stealerships.... sad. lol Maybe it's time to check out BMW Laval?
MustangMatt
Legacy Member
Jalbert always made money. BMW cancelled his franchise for other reasons.
You know how much business was lost in the west-island to Mercedes because of no local BMW dealership? People will not buy a BMW if they know the'll have to drive to Canbec for service. It makes no sense NOT having a BWM dealership in the west..
Russianguy
Legacy Member
Matt, since you work in the industry, what were the real reasons BMW didn't want to renew both contracts? Jalbert Quebec dealership had a fixed term franchise contract ending sometime in 2001 or 2002 and Kirland dealership had no fixed term contract.
I glanced at the lawsuit documents and Jalbert accused BMW canada of not delivering cars on time, not delivering tools, and stuff like that.
shag
New member
I wholeheartedly agree. I haven't purchased my BMW at either dealer but have had them give me a quote. Canbec sucked, they fired my CA and I had to start all over again - they couldn't find my quote and wouldn't match my original offer. Wouldn't negotiate over the phone even though I came in to see them twice. Apparently I didn't look rich enough?
Laval was great - too bad they didn't have the combo I wanted or else I would have signed
MustangMatt: I rest my case - there's no telling how much business BMW lost both in the West Island and in Quebec City because of Jalbert sucking/shutting down. As I said in my earlier post, BMWs are coming back to Quebec City but I still see a LOT more MB's and Audis around the Vieille Capitale.
Russianguy: I know, it doesn't make much sense. But everyone seems to agree that Jalbert's customer experience sucked at both dealerships. That's just not good business...
As for BMW not delivering cars and/or tools on time, why was Jalbert the only dealer around here (maybe in Canada) to sue them over this? The automobile industry is small enough that we would've heard about it at some point...
Dubguyvr6
Moderator
I was told by a rep, the owner was in some sort of suit with the city at the time (Kirkland) who forbid any business from leaving cars outside on a lot. Not exactly a good thing when you're a dealer.
RUBaDUBdub
Legacy Member
before you post stupid shit, get you facts straight.. Bmw lavals sells 300 new bmw a month. its the largest bmw dealership in North america... do you know how much they get back in kickbacks?...infact they are expanding.....
bmw west island will last 7 years, i doubt the bourassa group knows how to handle the luxury market, they should stick to GM
dave_fonz_164
Legacy Member
Isnt Maranello BMW in Woodbridge, Ontario the largest Bimma dealer?....Either way BMW Laval is great, the service is great and it has a lively atmosphere when you walk in and I love the Autogrill cafe lol, not too mention the cute girls they have as receptionists.
Gregster
Legacy Member
The company that loaned the money just happens to be owned by a very good family friend. Otherwise I wouldn't have posted it.
Kacey
www.handlerwheels.com
Very odd to hear as they just announced they are building a new showroom and expanding the building even more. Not to mention they are the #1 volume BMW dealer in Canada most of the time. (Them vs. Vancouver)
MustangMatt
Legacy Member
I heard that BMW sends dealers "renovation" money based on the amount of cars sold per year. Dealers are supposed to bank this money and use it to facelift the facility when BMW decides to change their look. Jalbert was apparently pocketing this money and then refused to spend it on his west-island dealer for whatever reason...
This is all rumers though, it did come from credible people in the industry but I can't say I know for sure its true.
Ron Popeil 5un4
New member
i just want this place opened so i can maybe get some decent service!!
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